Question

Applying the “If … then” logic of deductive reasoning (see Concept 1.3), what are a few of the predictions that arise from the hypothesis that plants evolved from green algae? Put another way, how could you test this hypothesis?

Short answer

The hypothesis that plants had evolved from species of green algae is associated with the prediction that if green algae and plant members will have similarities in their genomic sequence, then the hypothesis is valid.

This hypothesis can be tested by sequencing the genome of both these groups.

Step-by-step solution

Scientific hypothesis

In science, every piece of information is testable, and scientists are always in the quest to understand the causes of natural phenomena. A hypothesis can be defined as the proposed idea to explain the cause of any natural phenomenon, which can be testified through experimentations.

Deductive reasoning

Deductive reasoning refers to the method of hypothesis building in which the flow of logic is reverse; that is, from general aspects to specific aspects. In the method of deductive reasoning, a concept of “if and then” is applied, which implies that if the hypothesis is correct, then the associated prediction will also be valid.

“If and then” logic of plant evolution hypothesis.

As per the “if and then” logic of the deductive reasoning method, if the plant species have a genomic sequence that displays close resemblance with the genome of green algae, then it is predicted that the hypothesis stating that plants have originated from some green algal species is accurate.

The “if and then” logic of deductive reasoning related to the green algal origin of plants can be testified by sequencing the genome of plants and green algal members.